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Experience Mesa Verde Sunrises - Book Tours from Historic Downtown Durango

Watch the sunrise over the iconic Mesa Verde plateau from Hawkins Nature Preserve as you sip coffee at the canyon edge and learn the deep history of southwest Colorado; this easy, two-mile walk over occasionally uneven terrain brings you to a stunning vantage point overlooking the La Plata mountains and Mesa Verde NP. You’ll enjoy your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate plus a locally baked goodie while the canyon light changes, then continue through pinyon-juniper woodlands where your guide will point out notable flora and fauna and lead a stop at a 1,000+-year-old ruin to discuss the lives and culture of the people who built Mesa Verde. Dogs are welcome - please ask before you bring Fido - and after the walk you’re free to return and explore the area on your own, whether you’re staying in Durango or planning your visit from Historic Downtown Durango, making this an ideal Outdoor & Nature, Tours & Sightseeing, and family-friendly experience in Colorado.

About this activity in Historic Downtown Durango

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Watch sunrise over the Mesa Verde plateau and La Plata Mountains from the canyon edge while sipping locally roasted coffee or your choice of tea or hot chocolate.
  • Enjoy an easy 2-mile walk through Hawkins Nature Preserve’s pinyon‑juniper woodlands with stops to learn about the region’s unique geology, plants, and wildlife.
  • Taste a locally sourced pastry as you take in views of Mesa Verde National Park and visit a 1,000+‑year‑old ancestral ruin to learn about the people who built it.
  • Bring your dog with prior notice and choose from beverage options roasted in nearby Mancos-perfect for couples, families, and nature‑loving small groups visiting the Durango area.

Important Information

  • The walk covers roughly 2 miles over sometimes uneven terrain; travelers should have at least a moderate level of fitness and be comfortable on natural trails.
  • There is a wheelchair‑accessible trail option-please notify the tour operator about accessibility needs when you book so arrangements can be made.
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; infants and small children may ride in a pram or stroller.
  • Private transportation is not included; you’ll receive directions and meeting details after booking-please inform us of dietary restrictions or if you’ll bring a service animal.

Meeting Point

Meet at the Hawkins Nature Preserve trailhead-exact meeting location and parking instructions will be sent after booking so you can easily reach the sunrise start near Mesa Verde and the La Plata Mountains.

Includes

  • Choose your hot drink: coffee, tea, or hot chocolate-please tell us your preference before your tour. The coffee is locally roasted from Fahrenheit Coffee in Mancos, CO.
  • Enjoy locally sourced pastries during your experience-let us know any dietary restrictions or allergies in your group and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Excludes

  • Private transportation is not included.

Other

  • Wheelchair accessible: there is a wheelchair accessible trail-please inform the tour operator about accessibility needs when you book.
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
  • Service animals are allowed.
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 6 Reviews
Misti_A
• Jul 25, 2025 09:36:11 AM
Summary: Helen the host was amazing!! The spot for the sunrise was amazing and she brought great treats! She knew so much about the area and the history even my daughter said getting up that early was completely worth it.
julietA4164PC
• Oct 4, 2024 11:09:12 PM
Summary: My tour with Helen was so fun and I learned so much about the area. Being a Colorado native I did not know much about Cortez but it is steeped with history. The place is fascinating. I am need to visit again.
erikq566
• Oct 3, 2024 01:01:09 PM
Summary: The Sunrise tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to get the most beautiful views the region has to offer. Warm up with a cup of coffee and watch the Cortez region during magic hour. I am glad I did.

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Know more about Historic Downtown Durango

You’ll enjoy a gentle 2-mile walk over sometimes uneven terrain, watching sunrise from the canyon edge with views of the La Plata mountains and Mesa Verde National Park. Along the way you’ll learn about the unique geology and ecology of southwest Colorado and stop at a 1,000+-year-old ruin to hear about the people who built Mesa Verde.
Yes - your sunrise experience includes your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and a locally sourced pastry. Coffee is locally roasted from Fahrenheit Coffee in Mancos, CO, and you should let the host know your beverage preference and any dietary restrictions before the tour.
There is a wheelchair-accessible trail at the preserve. If you need accessibility accommodations, notify the tour operator at the time of booking so they can prepare for your needs.
The walk is described as easy but includes sometimes uneven terrain, so it’s suitable for families with a moderate level of fitness. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and you’ll continue through pinyon-juniper woodlands with frequent stops to learn about local flora and fauna.
Dogs are welcome, but you should ask the host before bringing Fido so they can confirm arrangements and ensure the walk remains comfortable for all guests and wildlife in the preserve.
Yes - the guide stops at a more-than-1,000-year-old ruin to discuss the lives and culture of the people who built Mesa Verde, and throughout the walk you’ll learn about the history and natural heritage of southwest Colorado.